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Introduction

Basics

Introduction to Cadences

Simple Prolongation

First Analysis

Decorations

More Prolongations

Analysis

Sequences I

Cadence Variations

Timing Variations

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Cadence Variations

In an earlier chapter we began our exploration of the cadence and presented the Basic Cadence Pattern. Here it is again, as a reminder of what it looks like.

There are many, many variations on this basic pattern, and in this chapter we will explore some of them. It is impossible to present every possible type of cadence, but this chapter should allow you to recognize and understand all the cadences you encounter.

This chapter presents four types of variation - timing variations, melodic extensions, base-line variations and chromatic variations. For each type of variation a few specific examples are given. We will see that although there are many variations, the key melodic and harmonic elements are always present. These are (once again, as a reminder):

1. There is a predominantly descending melodic line leading to the tonic.

2. The base line ends with - . Over is a dominant triad or some variant of a dominant triad. Over is the tonic triad.

3. The goal chord for the lines leading into the cadence is the dominant triad.